Once upon a time (aka 2008) a late twenty-something (aka me) started a blog (aka Harlem Loves). The goal was quite simple, a place to post the many things I liked and loved.

Despite a very haphazard and unintentional start, it became a wonderful and surprising adventure that took me further than I could have imagined! Meeting great people, learning a great deal and opening amazing opportunities.

Which brings us to today, the day I have to finally bid farewell to Harlem Loves. After a series of false starts, good intentions and a very slow and reluctant realisation, I have finally (*sniffles* finally!) arrived at the inevitable conclusion that it’s time to bring Harlem Loves to a close.

My life has evolved a great deal since the day I started Harlem Loves and in recent years I found myself being spread pretty thin amongst numerous endeavours. So for 2015 my goal is to return to simplicity.

My focus: Love God and love others as you love yourself.

My ambition: To see that fulfilled in all aspects of my life.

My method: To do a few things very well rather than too many things half-baked.

So… *takes deep breath*… this is my goodbye post. My thank you post. My happy new year, it’s been awesome and I truly wish you all the best for 2015 post.

I’ll be closing all Harlem Loves associated social media – personally and professionally, we’re taking a little time out from social media to review and refocus – but in the meantime you’re welcome to rejoin me @ericarutherford (personal) and @wearegingerland (business).

Much MUCH love to you!

Erica xx

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/blog-called-harlem-loves/feed/0Promise of the Week: Buh-bye Anxiety, Hello Peacehttp://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-anxiety-peace/ http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-anxiety-peace/#commentsTue, 15 Jul 2014 11:46:23 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11665Boo to being angst-ridden, panic-stricken and anxiety-laden, it’s time to lighten the load and make room for a peace “that transcends all understanding”. Now doesn’t...]]>

Boo to being angst-ridden, panic-stricken and anxiety-laden, it’s time to lighten the load and make room for a peace “that transcends all understanding”. Now doesn’t that sound luxurious! Even better, it’s been promised to you… Yep, so let’s go get it!

I must’ve started early as I was about to turn 25 when I had what I have since called my quarter-life crisis. A coming-of-age panic about who I was and what I was doing with my life. Apparently it was entirely normal (women and young adults aged 20–29 are the most likely to seek help for anxiety from their GP), unfortunately I didn’t know that at the time which made me all the more fearful. It was my first real battle with anxiety and I was not prepared (as if anyone is).

Thankfully, all the things I was worried about resolved (as they do), yet over the years during various transitionary periods of my life the little anxiety gremlin would pop up like an uninvited guest.

The uninvited guest

So what to do about this unwelcome visitor? Apparently, around a fifth of people do nothing to cope with anxiety, whilst a quarter (particularly women and young people) tend to comfort eat (don’t I know it!). Others hide themselves away or turn to alcohol and cigarettes.

Whilst I neither smoke nor drink (though I have been in moments that seem to call for both), I can definitely relate to the other three, all of which provide absolutely no relief to my situation, only a very temporary appearance of escape but definitely not an anxiety-relieving resolution.

What anxiety doesn’t want you to know

Strangely it was probably during one of the hardest years of my life that I realised how much energy I was wasting on being anxious. Whilst being confronted by impossible situation after impossible situation I found I was actually building a catalogue of evidence to support a most important truth:

Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ – Matthew 19:26

Science tells you an iron axe can’t float but that’s exactly what happened in 2 Kings 6. Maths tells 5 loaves and 2 fish does not equal enough to feed 5000 families but hello John 6. Reality tells you, you can’t go from abject poverty on one day to feasting the next but howdy 2 Kings 7.

“With God all things are possible” is the truth anxiety doesn’t want you to know. That when the numbers don’t add up, or there seems to be no way up, over, around or out you should know this: God made life and and the laws that govern it, so it is more than within his power to help us to overcome any obstacle, whether it’s financial, emotional, physical, mental and no matter how impossible it may seem. Take that anxiety!

Philippians 4:6-7: A promise of peace

Which brings me, finally, to this week’s promise. One of the most common and recommended strategies for coping with anxiety is to talk to a friend and Philippians 4 instructs us to do just that:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philipians 4:6-7

Yes! This promise is like a triple-threat to anxiety. In every situation, we’re going to pray, ask AND give thanks, and boom! The peace of God will do what hiding from the world can’t, what alcohol and cigarettes can’t, what spoonfuls of Häagen Dazs salted caramel ice cream can’t (though it tries sooooo hard); it will guard your heart and mind in the protective life-giving arms of Christ Jesus. Giving you refuge from the worries of the world with a peace, so amazing we cannot even fathom it.

Definition of a promise

Promise (prɒmɪs) A declaration or assurance that one will do something e.g. “If you post a comment I promise to read it”

or that a particular thing will happen e.g. “If you post a great comment I promise to smile and say you’re awesome”

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http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-anxiety-peace/feed/2What is love? 7 indisputable definitions of lovehttp://www.harlemloves.com/what-is-love-7-indisputable-definitions-love/ http://www.harlemloves.com/what-is-love-7-indisputable-definitions-love/#commentsSun, 06 Jul 2014 12:14:07 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11578Haddaway most famously sang “What is love?” but demanded to not be hurt without finding much of an answer. Must’ve been looking in the wrong place...]]>

Haddaway most famously sang “What is love?” but demanded to not be hurt without finding much of an answer. Must’ve been looking in the wrong place as I’ve found 7 life-changing definitions of love to help us all. You’re welcome Hadders.

The trouble with love is…

Whilst writing my recent love-themed Promise of the Week series I’ve come across a few things that have made me rethink my whole approach to love and life. So I thought I’d take a break from the series (just for today don’t worry) to talk about it.

I can’t help but think love has been given a really hard time. Not to say we can’t/don’t enjoy all the wonders of love in our lives (thank God!) but like thorns on a rose we just can’t ignore the harsh reality; love can be the most powerful word ever spoken in one moment and the most meaningless the next.

In everything from adverts to vegas weddings, “love” has been imitated, manipulated, gift-wrapped and packaged and used to confine, intoxicate, disempower, misuse and abuse. Sad but never-the-less true.

What is love?

In my pursuit of the abundant life I’ve realised there’s no room for love apathy. We are here to live the fullness of life and love and, having gathered some tips from the good book, the following should help us to better understand what that means.

So to clear the cobwebs of confusion and hopefully give Haddaway some overdue peace, I present 6 absolute unwavering indisputable definitions of true love:

1. Love and expect to be loved with these characteristics.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Well we could end this right here. This definition is the foundation for everything we need to know about love.

I’ve written this as a note to self to remind me how to love and how I expect to be loved. I’m learning to apply this to everything, not just relationships but how I deal with projects at work, diet and self-esteem even spending money and budgeting. It applies to so much.

2. Love keeps you right with God and your fellow man

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law – Romans 13:8-10

In the words of Lauryn Hill “It could all be so simple but you’d rather make it hard”. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by all the different demands of my life then I read something like this and it just puts everything back into perspective.

What really makes us happy in this life? Loving each other. What is God’s commandment? Love each other. How do we keep God’s commandments? By loving each other. Who’s happy when we love each other? Everyone. Ha!

We are charged with one task in this life and it’s the one thing that makes us truly happy. Love is #winning

3. If you let it, experiencing God’s love doesn’t even compare to the best things in life.

“I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” Psalm 63:3

King David. The poet of all poets. My fingers could not snap hard or fast enough at the words this man writes. Think he’d be up for hosting a spoken word event or two in heaven! Wow could you imagine?

I digress. The point is God love us and his love is not something to be apathetic about. It’s something to be experienced, revelled and wrapped up in. It’s something that nothing else can compare to and you need never be without. It satisfies completely and shows you how to love others better. Which is why of all relationships this is the most important.

4. Love, is not just a word, it’s an action!

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – 1 John 3:16-18

Simply, love can and should be seen as well as heard. Professing love but then mistreating someone is at best emotional fraud in my book. Don’t accept it, don’t do it.

Instead recognise that love is like a material from which we can make the most profoundly beautiful expressions. We see it in art, music and dance we see it in when buy treats for our coworkers, when we take chicken soup to a sick friend, when he hug someone who’s hurting and make peace with an enemy. Acts like these make the world a more wonderful place to live.

5. Amazingly, if you’re really curious to see what God looks like, love will show it to you.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. – 1 John 4:12

Every beautiful exchange of love reveals an even more beautiful God. It’s better than magic, it’s a miracle!

6. God is love!

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them – 1 John 4:16

This revelation almost brings us full circle with point 1. Swap love for God in the passage above and you get something truly phenomenal.

God is patient, God is kind. He does not envy, he does not boast, he is not proud. He does not dishonour others, he is not self-seeking, he is not easily angered, he keeps no record of wrongs. Goddoes not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

7. There is no fear in love!

This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: in this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.We love because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:17-18

For myriad reasons, for some God has been painted as this menacing figure and christianity as a fear-mongering regimental faith. Truly there is a fear-like quality to be felt when you perceive the awesome power of God. Could you stand with confidence against a tsunami? Me neither. But God isn’t threatening to devastate or destroy us. He’s promising eternal love and life.

“Fear has to do with punishment”. God’s perfect love is made complete in us when we follow Christ’s example in loving each other and for doing so there is no punishment to be feared only an everlasting reward.

Love and be fearless.

I think that’s a good point to end on. That and perhaps a quick Haddaway remix: “What is love? Corinthians Thirteen, Thirteen, oh yeah!” Problem solved. You’re welcome Haddaway. Let the 90s dancing commence.

A quick note on Promise of the Week:

Promise of the Week will resume next week with a new theme. As someone who can often suffer from anxiety I’d like to look into promises relating to security, problem solving, peace or something along those lines.. If you have any favourite anti-anxiety promises feel free to share below.

In the meantime would love to hear your thoughts on these definitions of love.

God bless xx

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/what-is-love-7-indisputable-definitions-love/feed/0A declaration of running ambitionshttp://www.harlemloves.com/declaration-running-ambitions/ http://www.harlemloves.com/declaration-running-ambitions/#commentsMon, 30 Jun 2014 10:00:17 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11596Who runs the world? I do! Or hope to. Not run the world exactly, more like run further than a mile. Which will pretty much...]]>

Who runs the world? I do! Or hope to. Not run the world exactly, more like run further than a mile. Which will pretty much feel like I’m running the world… umm… Let’s start over…

Who runs further than a mile? I will… hopefully…

That’s a bit better. The point is, I’m making a declaration! It’s my first step to committing (without actually committing) to a goal whilst I work out the detail. The declaration?

I want to run!

In the rare moments of energy-filled triumph over the anaemic fatigue I’ve battled most of my life, running has been my fitness “habit” (ha!) of choice but I’ve remained non-committal. Partly due to not getting a full control over my energy levels but mostly due to lack of fitness discipline. My cup of motivation may runneth over but my cup of discipline runneth on empty.

Tut tut! As proverbs 25:28 warns:

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”

This basically sums up where my lack of fitness discipline has left me. Like a city without walls, insecure and vulnerable to the attack of numerous health problems. No, thank you. No sirree. Not anymore.

Tips for a beginner?

The furthest I’ve ever run in my life non-stop is 1 mile. That was last year. I was ecstatic. I went for a run earlier this year and could barely do a quarter of that. The disappointment was immense.

Anyway, I’m hoping to start again but in an attempt to avoid over-promising and under-delivering (to myself more than anyone) I am starting with this simple declaration of intent.

For now I welcome any advice and encouragement, especially on how to get started after a rut!

Thanks lovelies x

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/declaration-running-ambitions/feed/1Promise of the Week: Love, be loved, be happy.http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-love-loved-happy/ http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-love-loved-happy/#commentsSun, 29 Jun 2014 13:23:48 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11607Ah John 15:9-12 a promise of love and joy! Though falling in and out of love is a familiar concept in this life, the...]]>

John 15:9-12

As mentioned in last week’s promise, God’s love is with us always; nothing can separate us from it and we benefit from it daily in a myriad ways. However, it is is still within our power to choose to embrace the full experience of God’s love and John 15:9-12 tell us how:

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.

How beautiful. How powerful. How wonderful! Jesus here shares his plans, his ambitions and his motives for us.

He wants us to be loved – “Now remain in my love”.

He tell us how to embrace this love – ” If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love”

He tell us why – “so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Quite simply, love and joy are promised to us in exchange for a single command:

love each other as I have loved you

A command to love

And this isn’t just any command. This is one half of the greatest commands upon which “all the law and prophets” (basically the whole bible) hang. Don’t take my word for it, read Matthew 22:36-40:

Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”This is the first and greatest commandment.And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Oh. my. goodness. There’s so much going on for me in those few lines I don’t even know where to begin but in the words of Julie Andrews “let’s start at the very beginning”

Love God

Jesus is clear. The greatest thing we can do is to love God. It struck me that this is a bit like someone reminding you to love the parent who sacrificed all to love, nourish and provide for you. It’s all too easy to lose touch and fail to maintain relationships with those who love us.

Here Jesus simply calls us to really do something about that. Instructing us to get our priorities in order and reciprocate the immense love our Father in heaven has for us.

Love others

Then he calls us to turn our attention to those who are around us. “Love your neighbour…” The ripple effect from this seemingly straightforward act is just ridiculous. Studies show people in healthy relationships live longer, thinking about loved ones lowers stress levels, hugs may be able to reduce depression the list goes on.

When we love others, when we socialise and serve we don’t just have a nice time, we’re improving people’s health, extending lives, providing purpose and inspiration, increasing productivity, giving hope and happiness, and improving mental and physical wellbeing. The impact of your love and kindness is far-reaching.

Love yourself

Last but not least is the almost missable bit at the end, “love your neighbour as yourself”.

Do you love yourself well? Are you taking care of your emotional, mental, physical, spiritual wellbeing? It’s so important we don’t neglect ourselves in the process of caring for others. Be healthy as you care for the health of others, be kind to yourself as you show kindness to others. Take care of what you need to take care of to ensure you are loving and serving others from a place of wellness.

About the featured video

In the process of sharing these promises about love I’ve been thinking a lot about how much we need to reshape our concept of love. This fun animation kind of reminded me of that process plus I quite liked the opening lyric.

More than the greatest love the world has known this is the love I give to you alone…

Preach it Martha! Now if only I could get that remix…

Anyway, I hope this promise blesses you this week. Whatever your priorities or goals for the week ahead be sure that to love God and your neighbour as yourself is at the top.

Love, be loved, be happy.

God bless x

Definition of a promise

Promise (prɒmɪs) A declaration or assurance that one will do something e.g. “If you post a comment I promise to read it” or that a particular thing will happen e.g. “If you post a great comment I promise to smile and say you’re awesome”

If you have a favourite promise or text for this week, please share in the comments below.

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-love-loved-happy/feed/0Promise of the Week: Romans 8:35, 37-39http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-romans-835-37-39/ http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-romans-835-37-39/#commentsSun, 22 Jun 2014 13:27:25 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11581Have you ever felt unloved or unlovable? Questioned how much you are loved? Or maybe you’ve never given it much thought at all? In all...]]>

Have you ever felt unloved or unlovable? Questioned how much you are loved? Or maybe you’ve never given it much thought at all? In all cases Romans 8:35, 37-39 is a promise that will rock your world!

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Wow, do you see what this is saying? All concepts of time, space and distance, all universal entities, all earthly or “otherworldly” powers, not a single thing on God’s green earth, not even death itself or a single day of your life… *takes breath*… can separate you from the love of God.

He loves you always, all the time, all day, every day! You are loved with the most amazing love always. Always!

Grasping a love that surpasses knowledge

With this in mind my prayer for you (and myself) for this week is found in Ephesians 3:17-19

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

If you have a favourite promise or text for this week, please share in the comments below.

Have a powerfully blessed love-filled week x

—

Promise (prɒmɪs) A declaration or assurance that one will do something e.g. “If you post a comment I promise to read it” or that a particular thing will happen e.g. “If you post a great comment I promise to smile and say you’re awesome”

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-romans-835-37-39/feed/0Promise of the Week: 1 John 4:10-12http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-1-john-410-12/ http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-1-john-410-12/#commentsSun, 15 Jun 2014 12:20:26 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11544As Jackie DeShannon and Dionne Warwick once sang: “What the world needs now is love sweet love“. A message not unlike this week’s promise...]]>

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Yup if we love each other we actually give each other a glimpse of God! What does God look like? We may not know for sure but we get a lot closer to knowing when we help someone, comfort someone, forgive someone, show patience, kindness and all the other characteristics of love found in 1 Corinthians 13.

So for this week I’m claiming this promise, that I’ll live out a 1 Corinthians 13 and in doing so enjoy the full expression of God’s love. Sounds wonderful!

Fun fact

Burt Bacharach apparently wrote this song for Dionne Warwick who turned it down. It was then made famous by Jackie DeShannon before being later recorded by Dionne Warwick.

Definition of a promise

Promise (prɒmɪs) A declaration or assurance that one will do something e.g. “If you post a comment I promise to read it” or that a particular thing will happen e.g. “If you post a great comment I promise to smile and say you’re awesome”

If you have a favourite promise or text for this week, please share in the comments below.

Have a blessed week x

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-1-john-410-12/feed/0World Cup 2014! Why am I even bothered?http://www.harlemloves.com/world-cup-2014-even-bothered/ http://www.harlemloves.com/world-cup-2014-even-bothered/#commentsThu, 12 Jun 2014 21:51:28 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11558So World Cup 2014 is upon us and I have to ask myself why am I even bothered? For nearly 4 years I am completely...]]>

So World Cup 2014 is upon us and I have to ask myself why am I even bothered? For nearly 4 years I am completely football averse then in comes the World Cup and here I am hollering at the TV like the football is my own personal fortune and the goal my bank. Why!?! I have 5 theories…

1. The Theory of Subconscious Seduction

I have a strong spirit of adventure and a desire to travel to the destinations represented by the football teams. I have yet to fly myself to some of those countries which leaves me frustrated. The World Cup allows me to express this frustration and my love for these destinations in the form of football fanaticism

Probable? I’ve almost convinced myself with that one.

2. The Theory of Scarcity

It takes nearly four years for me to forget how much I dislike the game. By the time the World Cup comes I get to enjoy it with fresh eyes.

Probable? Unlikely. That would suggest by the end of the World Cup my excitement would have begun to dissipate. Unfortunately, not true.

3. The Theory of Denial

I am actually a hardcore football fan and have been living in denial for nearly four years. The World Cup is the only time I permit myself to enjoy the so-called beautiful game.

Probable? No. I have neither the patience nor the will to live in denial for four years.

4. The Theory of Equinox

I have my own personal Sun that meets with the football stars and the resulting celestial force sends a sparkle of ‘you-shall-love-football’ fairy dust over me that turns on my love of the game.

Probable? I hope not. It’s far too weird.

5. The Theory of World Cup Fever

World Cup fever is a real highly contagious air borne plague. Symptoms last for a month and include hysteria, loss of oral volume control (resulting in shouting loudly and often) and singing awful songs (think every football song ever). I have been struck.

Probable? Absolutely.

So I guess world cup fever is the most likely. I guess I should be thankful, the next month would be quite unbearable without it.

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/world-cup-2014-even-bothered/feed/0Promise of the Week: John 3:16 – Eternal Lifehttp://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-john-316/ http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-john-316/#commentsSun, 08 Jun 2014 13:29:09 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11487Apparently there are over 7000 promises in the Bible. Over 7000 instances of God giving us an assurance of something he will do or...]]>

Apparently there are over 7000 promises in the Bible. Over 7000 instances of God giving us an assurance of something he will do or that will happen. Actual promises!

I wanted to spend a season fully recognising and claiming these promises. I’m hoping to share these every week (given my recent blogging track record that will be quite an achievement!) as I thought it’d be a good note to start the week on.

Love promises

For now I’m looking at promises about love so where better to start than with John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

or as I sometimes like to read these promises:

For God so loved [your name] that he gave his one and only Son, that should [your name]believe in him[your name] will not perish but have eternal life.

And what’s so great about the eternal life God has promised to you? Revelation 21:4 explains:

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more deathor mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Yes please!

Definition of a promise

Promise (prɒmɪs) A declaration or assurance that one will do something e.g. “If you post a comment I promise to read it” or that a particular thing will happen e.g. “If you post a great comment I promise to smile and say you’re awesome”

If you have a favourite promise or text for this week, please share in the comments below.

Have a blessed week x

PS: Took the featured picture at the top of the Shard in London Bridge.

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/promise-week-john-316/feed/0The Botanist on Sloane Squarehttp://www.harlemloves.com/botanist-sloane-square/ http://www.harlemloves.com/botanist-sloane-square/#commentsSun, 08 Jun 2014 11:59:24 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11500As part of my sister’s birthday month celebrations I went for lunch a few weeks ago to The Botanist in Sloane Square. Great service in...]]>

As part of my sister’s birthday month celebrations I went for lunch a few weeks ago to The Botanist in Sloane Square. Great service in a beautiful space especially on a warm sunny spring day when the huge windows at the front open up for a taste of the alfresco.

Decor

Bright, breezy and very open, though tables were a little cramped in some areas so we had to move but it all felt very relaxed and very Chelsea. For the Made in Chelsea fans, imagine somewhere a pre-Alex Binky having lunch with her mum and Cheska and you get the vibe.

Food

It was all very pleasant with delicate portions and what I would best describe as clean, appropriate flavours except for my tortellini main (more on that below). For my starter I had the mangetout, fine bean, mint and feta cheese salad with toasted pine nuts. I also snuck a taste of my sister’s whitebait (which I love!) with tartare sauce (which I really dislike).

For my main I opted for the sun blush tomato and goat’s cheese tortellini with sauce vierge. That really packed a punch, very rich and strong flavours from the cheese. I like flavoursome cheese but still had to take my time with this a little. I did enjoy it though.

The family ordered the peterhead cod fillet with white asparagus, roast artichoke, trevisse and red salsa, and a fillet of sea bass with fennel, tenderstem broccoli, lemon confit and sorrel gribiche. All were satisfied and there were no complaints.

After my super-rich main I kept dessert simple and went for the selection of ice cream, can’t exactly remember what I picked but think I went for mint and vanilla. The real winner however was the banana sticky toffee pudding which I unfortunately didn’t take a picture of as my camera had died by this point. But if you go, be sure to order that.

They also kindly brought my sister her dessert with a candle and a rendition of Happy Birthday. That’s never fails to make for a happy customer.

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/botanist-sloane-square/feed/0Breakin Convention 2014 at Spa Fieldshttp://www.harlemloves.com/breakin-convention-2014-spa-fields/ http://www.harlemloves.com/breakin-convention-2014-spa-fields/#commentsTue, 06 May 2014 20:28:49 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11458I wondered over to the Breakin Convention bank holiday Monday. I had my little cousins with me itching for some afternoon entertainment and they...]]>

I wondered over to the Breakin Convention bank holiday Monday. I had my little cousins with me itching for some afternoon entertainment and they definitely got it.

It was a novel experience walking around with a 5 and 6 year old, giving them their first real taste of hip hop culture. I took them around various display areas, trying not to be offended by their impatience with breakdancing but humoured by their intense focus, shoulders hunched, as they sprayed their first ever tag.

We were all intrigued by the ‘bar breakers’? Don’t know if that’s actually what they’re called but there seemed to be a lot of muscle, a lot of bars and some pretty crazy tricks involved.

Unfortunately we missed the main stage events but overall it was still worth the trip. I’d been meaning to go the Breakin Convention for a few years now and was glad I finally made it. The boys had fun and so did I.

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/breakin-convention-2014-spa-fields/feed/0New Web Series Alert – First by Jahmela Biggshttp://www.harlemloves.com/new-web-series-alert-first/ http://www.harlemloves.com/new-web-series-alert-first/#commentsMon, 21 Apr 2014 09:28:00 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11365Have you been watching First? Please tell me you’ve watched it, we need to talk this over with people! It’s so good! The brilliant...]]>

Have you been watching First? Please tell me you’ve watched it, we need to talk this over with people! It’s so good!

The brilliant new YouTube web series, featured on Issa Rae’s YouTube channel, charts the first milestones in the relationship between two late twenty-somethings, Robin (Jahmela Biggs) & Charles (Will Catlett).

For the love-of-good-independent-web-series-that-should-be-on-TV-and-Youtube-channels-that-are-more-entertaining-than-most-multi-milion-pound-networks, watch the first two beautifully shot episodes right here then subscribe to see more on Issa Rae’s YouTube channel:

First | Teaser “A Love Letter”

First | Episode 1 “The First Date”

First | Episode 2 “The First Call”

Thoughts on new web series, First

Isn’t the chemistry between Robin and Charles brilliant? I have to say I’m really enjoying seeing Will Catlett play this very different character to Mike in That Guy (another web series from the awesome Black&SexyTV channel on YouTube).

Charles’ first date was a brilliant idea! So much chemistry was founded in that single, intimate poetry session. And if that wasn’t enough he followed it up with a home-cooked meal. Nice!

I’m also wondering so many things… Wonder what Robin’s issue is with this guy in LA. Could she be running from something? Wonder what good music will be featured on the next episode? Loved the Jordan Rakei selection. Wonder about Brock the poet, just because he’s nice to wonder about.

First was created by and starring Jahmela Biggs (Robin) and directed by James Bland (Brock), Will and Ciji Campbell (Katori) also have producer credits on the series. A truly talented team. Salutes to you all.

So now you’ve watched it, what do you think?

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/new-web-series-alert-first/feed/4The #GlutenFreeFeb vs Endometriosis (Unexpected) Finalehttp://www.harlemloves.com/glutenfreefeb-endometriosis-unexpected-finale/ http://www.harlemloves.com/glutenfreefeb-endometriosis-unexpected-finale/#commentsSun, 20 Apr 2014 21:26:18 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11371This very overdue post has been sitting in draft for over a month (smh), hoping I’d find the time to finish it off properly...]]>

This very overdue post has been sitting in draft for over a month (smh), hoping I’d find the time to finish it off properly but that didn’t quite happen, anyway here it is at last…

I realise I’m updating you on my #GlutenFreeFeb experience at the beginning of March in the middle of April but I have good reason…

Firstly, to be honest I had to take a bit of break. My uncle passed away, the funeral was mid-Feb and it’s been a lot to deal with so I took a little time out.

Secondly, #GlutenFreeFeb became #GlutenFreeFebAndABitOfMarch. Why? Well the sole reason I began this experience was to see if it helped with my endometriosis symptoms and I was able to test that once my period started which rather frustratingly didn’t happen again till early March. So what was the conclusion?

#GlutenFreeFeb vs Endometriosis. The winner is…

In a strange turn of events, it appears to be neither. My endometriosis symptoms have improved significantly but I suspect gluten had very little to do with it.

Before I started #GlutenFreeFeb I started drinking green tea which I understood does wonders for blemish-prone skin (can cut acne by 50%). What I didn’t realise is that it’s apparently also good for endometriosis. So my experiment took a very unexpected detour.

Green Tea, Gluten and Endometriosis

I became suspicious in the first four days of #GlutenFreeFeb when I had my period. For the first time in a while, I was able to walk straight throughout the whole thing. For me this is not a minor achievement. Normally, the pain process has me starting off doubled over in pain and straightening up as the days go on and the pain recedes, a process visually akin to the evolution of man. This time however the pain was at a minimum and I could stand upright and at ease. As I’d only been gluten-free (GF) a few days I thought it unlikely that the simple absence of gluten could have such a drastic effect but still wasn’t sure what did cause it.

Anyway after 30-something days gluten free my period arrived and I could check the effects of my commitment to a GF diet. Perhaps a bit too optimistically I was hoping for a pain-free experience which didn’t quite happen. What I did notice though is that I had my shortest period ever! Four days! I’ve known my period to last 10 days in the past, so this is quite remarkable and though I was in pain, I was able to take a lot less pain medication, so that’s another bonus.

The absence of gluten or the addition of green tea?

To help me figure it out, I’m continuing to drink green-tea but have reintroduced gluten. Bread, dumplings, roti, cereal, coconut tart, it’s all been going on. I did notice some nausea and bloating so I thought I’d cut to the chase and get a blood test done by at the doctor’s for celiac disease. Fortunately, this came back negative, unfortunately they said that can happen if you’ve recently been gluten-free (as I had been) and are gluten-sensitive rather than have full blown celiac-disease.

So that’s where I am now. Not entirely clear on whether or not I’m gluten-sensitive but having accidentally improved my symptoms with something else entirely. Ha! Who would’ve thought it.

So what’s next?

I have to say it’s been quite an unusual experience blogging about my period but I’m so grateful to others who have supported me with the challenge. I’ve received alot of helpful advice and encouragement from friends who I didn’t realise suffered from the same or similar conditions.

At the moment, I’m continuing to research various lifestyle and diet changes and will report back once I’ve tested the theory more.

It’s very difficult to get airplay if you don’t play the radio game, and I’ll just leave it at that. It’s very hush hush and political [in the U.S.]. In Europe they play music based on merit and whether it’s good and not what you can do for them. [via]

I found that last point quite interesting, didn’t know there was that difference in music politics. Also didn’t know that Aloe Blacc used to be a business consultant for Ernst & Young. Perhaps that explains why he has such an entrepreneurial view of the music business.

As an entrepreneur I understand that my songs are my inventions and each one has to have value in order for people to find it worthy of their attention and purchase. As an artist, I recognize that my work is to make everyone else’s playtime more enjoyable, so doing things that are unconventional is very important. I have to get out of my comfort zone in order to make something that helps others slip into theirs. [via]

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/aloe-blacc/feed/0Jonathan & Melissa Helser – Love Songhttp://www.harlemloves.com/jonathan-melissa-helser-love-song/ http://www.harlemloves.com/jonathan-melissa-helser-love-song/#commentsSun, 16 Feb 2014 12:11:03 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=10810Love Song by Jonathan and Melissa Helser is a sweet serenade to the soul. Having learned more about this couple and their ministry it...]]>

Love Song by Jonathan and Melissa Helser is a sweet serenade to the soul. Having learned more about this couple and their ministry it makes perfect sense that they would be inspired to write a song like this.

Lyrics

I can hear a love song All around me when the wind blows I can hear Your voice speak It surrounds me when the leaves move

I’m just dust without Your breathe I’m just clay without Your kiss I’m just skin and bone Without your wind in my lungs

I can hear a love song In everything You’re singing I can hear Your heartbeat Flowing through me, Your inside me

I’m just dust without Your breathe I’m just clay without Your kiss I’m just skin and bone Without your wind in my lungs

About Jonathan & Melisser Helser

This couple are so inspiring and the album is just beautiful. Here are 3 things I’ve learned and like about them.

The songs we sing come from the journeys we have taken. The albums we have recorded come from our collisions with God’s love.

2. This instagram dedication to his supertalented wife:

3. The beautiful ministry they run together:

[Photo credit to Riant Photography]
]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/jonathan-melissa-helser-love-song/feed/0#ILoveADRA and Sierra Leonehttp://www.harlemloves.com/iloveadra-sierra-leone/ http://www.harlemloves.com/iloveadra-sierra-leone/#commentsFri, 14 Feb 2014 18:16:33 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11345I saw #iLoveADRA floating around on the internet today. I thought the hashtag a great tribute to the work this non-profit has done over...]]>

I saw #iLoveADRA floating around on the internet today. I thought the hashtag a great tribute to the work this non-profit has done over the years, and even now in responding to emergencies in the Philippines, Syria and South Sudan.

Just last week, a couple of friends recently travelled to Sierra Leone to distribute gift boxes as part of an ADRA-UK annual charity event. One of them shared her experience in the video above alongside other volunteers and expresses what a life-changing experience it was to join in the work of this development and relief agency.

Why #iLoveADRA

ADRA’s annual gift box appeal encourages everyone but especially children to pack a box of gifts for a child in another country.

Given it’s Valentine’s Day, it’s a beautiful thing to see this kind of love in action. I truly wish ADRA-UK all the best as it continues to provide relief and development support to communities around the world.

Love In Action

If you want to get involved, the gift box appeal normally starts in the run up to Christmas. In the meantime, ADRA-UK are about to launch their annual appeal where you can help support their development efforts in Africa, Asia and the UK.

]]>http://www.harlemloves.com/greek-yogurt-almonds-blueberries-cinnamon/feed/0Lupita Nyong’o for New York Magazinehttp://www.harlemloves.com/lupita-nyongo-for-new-york-magazine/ http://www.harlemloves.com/lupita-nyongo-for-new-york-magazine/#commentsMon, 10 Feb 2014 15:55:10 +0000http://www.harlemloves.com/?p=11307Lupita Nyong’o continues to flavour editorials around the world with her delectable beauty and elegance. Here she is as the face of spring fashion...]]>

Lupita Nyong’o continues to flavour editorials around the world with her delectable beauty and elegance. Here she is as the face of spring fashion for New York magazine…

The magazine also interviews the 30-year-old; delving into her family’s transition from Kenya to Mexico (where she was born) and her current life as a celebrated actress. Here are some highlights:

I haven’t always been gluten-free,” Nyong’o explains in a measured tone, after scanning the menu and coming up short. “I’ve done it for maybe nine months.

On moving to the US:

I thrive on structure,” she says. “I find my freedom in structure. It was very hard to adjust to an individualistic and very liberal system. I mean, my upbringing, I would iron my clothes every night. I would plan what I wore the night before, and then I would iron it. That’s just the way my mom raised us. Then I got to Hampshire, where clothing is sometimes optional and all this kind of thing. I was mortified.

On getting acting advice from Ralph Fiennes:

He asked me what I wanted to do with my life, and I very timidly admitted that I was interested in being an actor. He sighed and said, ‘If there’s something else that you want to do, do that. Only act if you feel you can’t live without it.’ It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but it was the thing I needed to hear.

On adjusting to life in the spotlight:

I’ve been in a bubble. I haven’t been out much. I haven’t gotten used to being recognized.” More than that, “I was blissfully ignorant of the magnitude of the project I was in or what it was going to mean for the world.

It’s official, #GlutenFreeFeb week 1 is complete! Done! Over! And surprisingly, thoroughly enjoyed! As promised, here’s a recap of the discoveries and delights of week 1…

Starting the #GlutenFreeFeb challenge

I have to say given my love of bread and the simple truth that I was not looking forward to this experience at all, I’m surprised how much I’ve enjoyed this week. In fact I have discovered 3 key things:

It has been a lot less burdensome and a lot more ‘normal’ than I expected. I was bracing myself for immediate withdrawal symptoms but so far I’m actually enjoying it. I have a freezer full of delicious but gluten-loaded bagels (thanks mum! :p) and 3 boxes of cereal that I’ve only really thought about in this moment to tell you that they’re there otherwise they’re just not on my radar.

Announcing the challenge on the blog has helped a great deal! Thank you and salutes to everyone who’s supported/joined in.

I may actually be able to do this. I was surprised with how two lunch dates with friends (one of which was a baby shower) passed without any real challenge. I thought the temptations (being surrounded by baked goods galore) would overwhelm me but it turned out pretty well actually. I was blessed by both hosts to some other options and opting for pineapple over pastry and smoked salmon over spring rolls wasn’t so bad at all.

It’s too early to tell what impact the diet’s had on my health but I’m already considering extending it for another month but will see how I get on over the next few weeks.

A #GlutenFreeFeb Diet

So what did I eat? I’ve been trying to ensure I get a good mix of carbohydrates, good fats and proteins. Up until recently my diet’s been pretty carb-heavy so these days I’m focused on increasing my intake of healthy fats and protein.

My favourite for these are almonds, almond butter, flax seed oil, 0% fat greek yoghurt, lentils, sardines and salmon, all of which featured a lot in my diet this week:

Breakfast: This week my breakfast was initially based on 0% fat greek yoghurt with various toppings; blueberries, almond butter, crisp apples, crushed almonds, bananas, agave syrup and cinnamon. Eventually I ran out of yoghurt and switched to making oats with Sainsbury’s gluten-free oats.

Lunch and Dinner: I found potatoes give me a bread-like satisfaction so was sure to include them in my grocery shop. So for this week my meals included baked potatoes with spiced lentils (a great source of fibre and protein), the tastiest roast vegetable mix from Sweet on Exmouth Market, escovitch fish with rice and peas (thank you P x), spicy sardines and towards the end of the week gluten-free pasta (pictured above, recipe post coming soon).

Roast squash, sweet potato, carrot, tomato and mangetout

Sweet treats: For treats I tended to have swedish glace ice cream with fruit, either pineapple or dried mango. Also tried some gluten free cake options from Sainsbury’s but those turned out not to be so great… at all! Was going to share them here but this post is getting a little lengthy so I’ll share my gluten-free experiments in another post this week.

In the meantime…

I also have some tasty gluten-free recipes to share with you but if there’s anything in particular you think I should try or you have any gluten-free tips and tricks, let me know in the comment below x